The pursuit of renewable energy must be doubled

We are a Covid-weary nation who had hoped for a good time after two years of bondage tinged with all sorts of misery. But in that way life sometimes throws at us new horrors, we are now suddenly witnessing an illegal and brutal war in Europe, which has a huge direct impact on with Ireland on a very human level.

Russia’s unspeakable invasion of Ukraine has turned bloody, and the people of Ireland now face their greatest challenge to confront them in more than a generation. We must be strong, united and caring for each other and our global neighbours.

Above all, we must avoid hasty or hasty responses while also acknowledging the need to react quickly to some pressing issues. Our obligation to care for and protect the thousands of Ukrainians forced to leave their homeland is a prime example of something that requires trained speed and clear thinking.

The public response characterized by the large number of offers for accommodation has been encouraging. We have reason to hope that the Irish authorities will develop a plan to receive these Ukrainian guests in a thoughtful and sustainable manner. This In fact, people can pretty much give Ireland and its people. It is best to see this as an opportunity in adversity for both peoples.

We are pleased to note that Ireland has successfully carried out its largest public health campaign with Covid vaccinations and is now preparing to be the largest humanitarian aid project ever. welcome tens of thousands of Ukrainians. There is every reason to believe that this too will work.

But the economic fallout from this barbaric war will bring real anxiety to Irish people about how to meet rising heating and food costs. All indications are that this and other prices will continue to rise, bringing real hardship to many..

Reminding such vulnerable people that Ukraine’s sufferings are more fundamental and more severe will not cut it. Government subsidies are certainly called for – but they are a double-edged tool that can complicate our other economic problems. Targeted aid to vulnerable groups is wiser than more politically motivated comprehensive aid for all.

It is a terrible fact that Ireland imports all the oil and coal we use, and also has a substantial gas import bill. This dependence on foreign energy must be rethinked and planned to reduce it rapidly.

The pursuit of renewable energy, especially offshore wind, must be sustained and doubled. This could yield medium-term dividends due to less dependence on volatile foreign energy supplies.

We must also rethink the cost of the most basic commodity, bread, the employee of life.

Ukraine is the world’s fifth-largest supplier of wheat, while Russia is the largest, and both warring countries produce about a third of the world’s grain. Figuring out how to solve that problem won’t be easy – but we suspect that encouraging dairy and Irish farmers to grow grain is not a sensible option for several reasons.